Australia continued their impressive record in Sri Lanka with another impressive win at Galle. They have won six out of their 11 Tests in Sri Lanka and have lost only once.

Both teams went into the first Test at Galle with newly appointed long term skippers. Michael Clarke clearly won the battle of the skippers and with that the game to take a 1-0 lead in the three match series. Dilshan was out thought and out batted by his opposite number but one win remained more significant amongst others. It was the toss. Clarke managed to win the toss on a dust bowl at Galle and the Aussies capitalised on the advantage led by the remarkable Michael Hussey. The lack of application from the batsmen let Sri Lanka down and a 173 run lead was worth its weight in gold on that track. Pallekele will offer a different Test and the pitch is already under a lot of scrutiny. There is not much evidence to look back into as there has been only one previous Test at Pallekele (West Indies vs Sri Lanka in 2010) and that was washed out without even one complete innings. The skippers who have been privy to the track sound confident though.

"It's a good Test wicket," said Dilshan. "Batting will be a lot easier and it could turn on the fourth and fifth days." Similar sentiments were echoed by Clarke too. "It's a lot drier than it was yesterday, but I am sure it will play much better than the one at Galle. The wicket is compact, it is hard. It is very important to put up big scores whether you bat first or second. I also think spin will play a big part as the game progresses," he said.

Sri Lanka:

The exclusion of Ajantha Mendis in the first Test surprised a lot of people. He remains a relatively unknown entity for the Aussies and poses a distinct threat with his unorthodox style if the batsmen fail to read him off his hand. Suraj Randiv's dismal performance in the first Test is likely to pave way for the mystery spinner to come back in for the second Test. Left arm pacer Chanaka Welegedara is suffering from a knee injury and newbie Shaminda Eranga is tipped to make his debut. Eranga made a mark with his lively pace in the ODIs and his energy could add a lot to the Lankan attack. The batting let Sri Lanka down in the first game but it is a settled line up and the seniors will be desperate to pull their weight in the second game. Dilshan has already come under some criticism for an apparent lack of focus in Tests and he will want to prove his critics wrong. A blazing start from him will help Sri Lanka greatly. Fighting back after losing the first game in a three match series will be very difficult and it will a test of character for the Lankans who are very proud of their record at home.

Australia:

Ricky Ponting, who, at Galle, became the only player to win 100 Test matches, will miss the second Test as he has flown back for the birth of his second child. That presents a very good opportunity for Sahun Marsh to make his mark. Australia have already confirmed that Marsh will make his debut. The talented southpaw will be keen to make an impression. Both Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja have still not sealed their spot in the eleven and it will be an interesting tussle between the three when Ponting comes back. Nathan Lyon and Trent Copeland had a good start to their Test career at Galle with the former picking up a five-fer on debut. Lyon will look to prove that it was not the track at Galle that helped him get it and his temperament will be tested for sure on a flatter track at Pallekele. Michael Clarke and Ryan Harris were impressive in the first Test and Australia will need them to continue in the same vein as they look to build a team for the future. They will do everything they can to sustain the momentum gained.

Quotes:

"The way he's improved his training, the discipline he's shown, how he's lost a lot of weight and become fit and strong, it's a great reward for him." - Michael Clarke on Shaun Marsh who will be making his Test debut at Pallekele.

"This is a new game, a new wicket, the confidence in the team is high. I am sure we will put up a much better performance here." - Tilekaratne Dilshan is upbeat about his team's prospects.